In a world filled with conventional careers like doctors, teachers and engineers, there exists a fascinating side of employment that defies ordinary expectations. From testing water slides to sniffing armpits for a living, these strange yet real jobs prove that passion and curiosity can turn almost anything into a profession. While they might sound bizarre, such roles often serve essential or entertaining purposes, blending fun with function.
Here’s a look at some of the world’s strangest jobs, unconventional careers that push the boundaries of what it means to “go to work”.
1. Water Slide Tester:
Imagine being paid to splash around all day — water slide testers do exactly that! Their job is to assess water slides for safety, speed and fun factor. They ensure every twist, turn and splash provides an exhilarating yet secure experience for park visitors. While it sounds like a dream job, it requires attention to detail and physical stamina, as testers spend hours climbing slides and evaluating ride performance.
2. Professional Cuddler:
Professional cuddlers offer human connection in its simplest form — platonic touch. Clients seeking comfort, stress relief or emotional support can book sessions to be held, hugged or simply listened to in a safe environment. Boundaries are strictly maintained and practitioners often receive training in empathy and consent. It’s a surprisingly therapeutic service, showing that physical warmth can be as healing as conversation.
3. Professional Sleeper:
Yes, some people get paid to sleep! Professional sleepers are hired for scientific research or hotel testing. In laboratories, they help scientists study sleep patterns, disorders and the effects of new treatments. Luxury hotels also employ sleepers to evaluate mattress comfort and room ambience. While it sounds blissful, it often involves strict monitoring and odd hours, making it both relaxing and demanding.
4. Pet Food Taster:
Before pet food hits the shelves, it needs a human taste test. Pet food tasters evaluate products for flavor, texture and nutritional balance — without swallowing, of course! Their goal is to ensure quality and consistency that appeal to pets’ palates and owners’ expectations. It is an unusual mix of science and bravery, proving that even animal cuisine requires a discerning human touch.
5. Odour Judge:
Odour judges play a vital role in product development, testing the effectiveness of deodorants, detergents and perfumes. Using their finely tuned sense of smell, they sniff armpits, breath or clothing to evaluate scent changes after product use. It may sound unpleasant but their feedback helps companies improve hygiene products. A strong stomach and nose is essential for this nose-worthy career!
6. Professional Mourner:
In some cultures, funerals are grand affairs where emotional expression is expected. Professional mourners are hired to cry, wail or express grief to honor the deceased and support the family. Common in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the role blends performance and empathy. While it may seem strange, it serves a cultural purpose which is amplifying the collective mourning and respect for the deceased.
7. Golf Ball Diver:
Golf courses lose thousands of balls in ponds and lakes each year and golf ball divers make a living retrieving them. Wearing scuba gear, they dive into murky waters to collect lost balls which are then cleaned and resold. The job demands courage, strong swimming skills and comfort with limited visibility. It’s a dirty but surprisingly profitable profession.
8. Snake Milker:
Snake milkers extract venom from poisonous snakes for use in medical research and anti-venom production. Using steady hands and nerves of steel, they carefully encourage snakes to release venom into collection containers. It’s a risky job that saves countless lives by enabling scientists to develop life-saving drugs. This daring profession proves that danger and science sometimes go hand in hand.
Well, are you interested in doing any of these jobs?
